The Bay Oval will swap cricket bats for polo mallets next summer as the venue will host the Lexus Urban Polo.

The international cricket ground in Mount Maunganui, is getting set for the thunder of hooves and the prancing of ponies for the first time in its history.

The Lexus Urban Polo, New Zealand's premier polo event, is a fusion of sport, fashion, food and music.

'I guess from our point of view we've always looked at other options for being more than just a cricket ground,” says Bay Oval general manager Kelvin Jones.

'We probably didn't really ever think polo might be one that there was up there. But we think it's really unique and had heard of it done elsewhere so made some inquiries and we're really looking forward to it.

'I think in many ways the ground's really well-suited to that sort of thing.”

Traditionally held in both Christchurch and Auckland in March, Lexus Urban Polo is committed to bringing its style of polo to the people.

'We are thrilled that The Bay Oval have expressed interest in hosting our event and showing it off to a whole new audience. It's a fantastic venue and we are delighted that the people of The Bay of Plenty will get the chance to experience our unique event,” says Lexus Urban Polo managing director Simon Wilson.

'The action is up close, there is music, food and fashion and it all happens in the heart of the city. It really is an experience like no other.”

In the same way that going to the cricket is more than the game, the Lexus Urban Polo hopes punters will enjoy soaking up the sun, the atmosphere and getting up close and personal to the world's best polo players and ponies.

Lexus are back as naming right sponsors for the 2021 Lexus Urban Polo season.

Traditional offerings of champagne will be provided by Perrier-Jouët.

'We are thrilled the Lexus Urban Polo is expanding to another event in Tauranga, with our plans to open a new dealership there in early 2021 it aligns well with growing our partnership,” says Andrew Davis Lexus New Zealand general manager.

The event does not yet have a set date but is likely to happen toward the end of the cricket season next year, which is good news for the Bay's groundsman.

'Yeah he was certainly the guy we had to get across the line first,” jokes Kelvin.

'We've had some assurances that he's got nothing to worry about.”